TCN Strategies for Smoke-Free Air Policy Implementation

The Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium (TTAC) held their second webinar in the 2010 Tobacco Control Network (TCN) series this week, “TCN Strategies for Smoke-Free Air Policy Implementation,” titled “The Devils in the Details: Achieving the New Gold Standard in Smoke-free Policies.”

The call focused on helping participants Identify the updated or new provisions in model smoke-free air legislation, Understand the rationale for current model, Determine what provisions are essential (deal breakers) for effective, enforceable smoke-free air legislation, and Apply lessons learned from case studies to recognize challenges that need to be addressed in your state or community

The call focused a lot around the ANR Model Ordinance and the evolution of the document throughout the years… from smoking sections in the 80’s to 100% smoke-free policies now.

One main take away message from the call was to “Plan before you act… don’t put the cart before the horse”. I think this is so true no matter what type of project you’re working on. Many times we get so excited, we have people ready to act and work on a new project or campaign and we just dive in with excitement. Having a great group ready to act is a great thing but, it is always better to plan your attack. Especially in today’s climate with the tobacco industry using new tactics to derail our efforts. Check out this page to view ANR’s What to Expect from the Tobacco Industry

When we are talking about smoke-free air legislation, Bronson noted that ANR’s Guiding Principles, Fundamentals of Smoke-Free Workplace Laws document great place to start!

When developing your language they also suggest to start with ANR model language and then amend to include more state specific language with partners at the table.

In his presentation he addressed the following:

Agree on “dealbreakers”

Be realistic about resources

State with a strong grass roots base

Start with Model Policy language

Include expert advisors

Importance of broad-based community support

He said it is important Agree on deal breakers & Key Principals early in process

Put decisions in writing…

Once you get your main players at the table work out a plan. Sometimes you might have additional partners join later, or staff changes throughout the process so it is good to have everything in writing so that everyone can be on the same page always. In addition, determine your deal breakers; ANR has created Determining Your Dealbreakers page to assist in this process.

View ANR’s Model Ordinance, this document is updated almost yearly to continue to offer the most up to date resources for your work.

While there is some scientific evidence showing that E-Cigarettes are not a healthy product, there is still very little scientific evidence to support any secondhand smoke or vapor can be harmful. The new ordinance showcases some of the findings and the reason why they are being included in enforcement activities etc.

The definition of smoking has been amended to include e-cigarettes.

“E-cigarette” any electronic oral device, such as one composed of a heating element, battery, and/or electronic circuit, which provides a vapor of nicotine or any other substances, and the use or inhalation of which simulates smoking. The term shall include any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, or under any other product name or descriptor.

Also, if you are working on Hookah they noted focusing on the language stating “heated tobacco or plant products intended for inhalation” can encompass hookahs.

In addition to the great presentation resources, I wanted to let you all know that The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids released an updated Special Report on Smoke-Free Laws Protecting Our Right to Breath Clean Air this month. This is another great resource I think you all might find useful!